Tropical Storm Isaac Likely to Increase Edina Gas Prices

Experts predict that Tropical Storm Isaac, which is currently ripping across the Gulf of Mexico, will shut down refineries and offshore oilrigs, causing gas prices to climb in Edina and elsewhere.

While estimated increases aren’t available for Minnesota, per gallon. Meanwhile, USA Today predicts that prices could climb by 10 cents per gallon, depending on the severity of the storm. Tropical Storm Isaac could close as many as a dozen refineries.

The National Hurricane Center has predicted that the tropical storm will become a hurricane on Tuesday with 74 to 95 mph winds. It is expected to hit from an area southwest of New Orleans to the edge of Florida's panhandle.

The cheapest unleaded gas available in Edina as of Tuesday evening was $3.77 per gallon, at both the at the corner of Vernon and Eden avenues and the at the same intersection.

Tropical Storm Isaac targeted a broad swath of the Gulf Coast on Monday, bearing down just ahead of the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

The potential for a landfall as a Category 1 hurricane as soon as Tuesday prompted evacuations along a wide area of the Gulf Coast and sent people out to stock up on staples.

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